'I’m over 50. Here’s the evening routine that gives me my best skin ever.'

Recently, I gave you an insight into what I do each morning to look after my skin - and it might've seemed like a lot of steps. But, in case you didn’t read my morning skincare routine, let me recap the main takeaway: pay attention to how your skin feels, use products based on that, and be consistent!

Now, I'm bringing you the evening half of my skincare routine. 

Once again, it’s about self-care as much as it is skincare - and it’s still a lot. 

Watch: Here are seven ways to improve your skin while sleeping. Story continues below.

I just want to preface this by saying while I do most of the below steps every night, there are some others here that I'll do only once or twice a week.

Here we go...

1. Double cleanse.

There are two reasons why I always double cleanse. The first is that I wear sunscreen every day, and the second is that it's the only way to thoroughly clean all the day’s makeup and grime off your face. 

The first cleanse will break down all your makeup, dirt and oils from the day. The second cleanse removes anything that was missed in the first step, as well as washing away the residue of your cleanser and helping address any skin concerns. It'll also get deeper into your pores. 

Image: Supplied 

I have tried a lot of 'first cleansers' - from spendy to savey – but my number one holy grail is The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Makeup Cleansing Butter, $28.

Image: The Body Shop.

This breaks down even the toughest of products. It transforms from a balm to an oil as you start to work it in and then finally a milky lotion as you add water. 

For my second cleanse, I do tend to use products that will help give my skin a glow. 

Image: Supplied 

I currently alternate between The Inkey List Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser, $19, for days when my skin is feeling normal or a little congested, to Tatcha’s The Rice Wash, $64, for when I feel l like it needs a bit more hydration or softness. 

Image: Sephora  

Image: Mecca  

2. Physical exfoliant.

Once or twice a week I like to use a resurfacer on my face. I used to avoid physical exfoliants for years but have learnt to just use them sparingly and my skin will benefit. 

The two that have really improved my skin (and I am sorry, neither is a savey but they last forever using them the way I do) are Tatcha The Rice Polish Gentle, $109 – it keeps my skin soft and radiant while being non-abrasive – and Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Enzymatic Dermal Resurfacer, $70 (50ml). This is a bit hectic when you first use it, and I only use it on nights that I am not using any other acids or actives.

Image: Mecca  

Image: Sephora  

3. Toner.

Exactly the same as during the day, most evenings I use one of the most affordable toners on the market with Byphasse Soft Toner Lotion (with rose water), $4.99.

Image: Chemist Warehouse  

If my skin feels normal, then this is what I reach for every time. A couple of times a week I will reach for an exfoliating toner in the form of an PHA & BHA or glycolic acid toner, but this is really one step where you can afford to save some money.

4. Essence.

For the evening, I apply my essence AFTER my toner – generally because of the difference in my routine. However, it's not a rule and you do what feels right for you. 

For me, my evening essence is one product that I have been using for the last few years and is familiar to a lot of people. 

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, $28.81, calms, protects, hydrates, and improves your skin overall. This product is legendary for a reason.

Image: iHerb  

5. Serums.

Serums are the most concentrated part of your skincare routine, and can be used to target specific skincare concerns. 

They contain powerful active ingredients and can be used alone or layered with other serums (with the thinner product used first), and are the products that will do the hard yards for your skin overnight.

Missha’s Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule 5x, $27, is made of 10 different fermented ingredients producing rapid results, while L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Serum, $38.69, is a powerful antioxidant that is designed to boost skin cell turnover. 

Image: Missha  

I layer the L'Oréal serum OVER the Missha serum to boost the products for maximum results. I use these most nights, and two nights a week I will use a retinol serum instead. 

Image: Supplied 

I won’t mention a favourite retinol product, as it's not something I have a definite opinion on other than to say I think I may need to advance to prescription retinol soon. I don't see much of a benefit with retinol for me personally, which is why I have backed off it.

6. Eye cream.

To be honest, eye creams are something I dive in and out of as most of the time I find its just repackaged, overpriced moisturiser. Controversial but true. 

When I do use it, I can't go past Ole Henrikson Banana Bright Eye Cream, $63.

Image: Adore Beauty.  

7. Night cream.

Let's be honest, if we could all afford it we would bathe ourselves in Crème de la Mer, but not only can I NOT afford it, I also cannot justify it. I go the good old dupe mix of Nivea Crème, $9.50, and Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Crème, $35. 

Image: BIG W  

Image: Mecca  

I mix these together between the palm of my hands, emulsifying them before massaging them on my face using an upward motion and lymphatic massage. 

These products are both so gentle and really prove you don't always need to spend a fortune on your products for the benefits. 

Image: Supplied 

Also in rotation are Tatcha’s The Dewy Skin Cream, $136, and Redwin Collagen Glow Skin Firming Moisuriser, $5.49.

If my skin feels like it doesn't need the intense hydration, I will just use the Redwin Collagen Glow. This is not fancy, nor does it do anything spectacular other than make my skin feel soft and bouncy.

Image: Mecca  

Image: Chemist Warehouse.

 

8. Oil.

For the evening I love The Jojoba Company Ultimate Youth Potion + L22, $46.95, for its hydration and elasticity benefits. I use this most nights just to lock everything in.

Image: Jojoba Company  

Image: Supplied

So, that’s it! Mostly. I like to do slugging once a week, usually on a Sunday, using Weleda Skin Food, $36.04. It feels like a reset and just the power boost for my skin that I need to start the week. When doing this, I skip the oil step to ensure I do not clog my skin.

Image: Weleda  

So, I am 51, with no filler yet (I mean, it's on the agenda, I'm not going to lie) – but I am comfortable in my skin and how it looks for now.

Image: Supplied 

Hopefully this helps you if you are interested in trying out a dedicated routine. If nothing else, you’ll look like a delicious glazed donut when you finish.

For more beauty articles from Teresa, check out her stories here.

What does your evening skincare routine look like? Share with us in the comment section below.

This article was originally published in July 2022, and has since been updated.

Feature image: Teresa McNamara/Supplied.